New Boat Options Guidance - which do you really use?

[ATotalSaint]

1st boat purchase (GS20 or 210) and trying to finalize boat specs and wondering if I really need some of these things...

- Dual Battery
- Dual Battery Maintenance System/Charger (will be moored at my lakefront camp / will only be using the boat on weekends)
- Oversized Mirror (does this really get used - particularly with the rear-facing awareness camera)
- Underwater lights (seems fun - do folks end up really using them?)

Your thoughts would be appreciated - thank you!

[shag]

IMO, I think all of those are a good investment. Any newer boat, with all the electronics aboard, benefits from having a second battery to switch from/to. (one general use theory is that each time you take the boat out, you utilize a different battery). A good dual battery maintenance system/charger will keep your batteries in tip top shape, and actually (imo) with only using it on weekends, with most likely a few longer stints on occasion, I would prefer to have a maintainer. There are some truly good systems around that are hands free. Just pull in the boathouse, plug it in, and you're done. The device does everything from deep charge, to condition, and then trickier charge to keep batteries ready, and have built in safety's to prevent overheating or malfunctions. (I am not sure how much Nautiques charge for their system, but if it is over $250-300, I would just buy one after and install it. Pretty easy install) I would also use the oversize mirror - added safety. Underwater lights are really cool and invite a new spectacle to boating. I don't know about the factory ones, but I use Shadow Caster SCM 10's in a custom made aluminum bar under my platform. In the summer we hang out in the water (wearing life jackets like diapers) and float around with the water lit up.... Pretty cool.

[Tallredrider]

The dual battery on my G23 came with a Perko switch that was an 'Off, 1, or combined switch. So there was no option to run off of battery 2 only. The voltage sensitive relay was between them and when running on combined, the alternator charged both once the starting battery reached a high enough voltage. Boats are notorious for dead batteries. Save yourself the trouble and get both batteries with the charging for both.

What is the undersized mirror? I love the mirror on my G23, but not sure it is exactly 'oversized'.

[SierraWave]

Those are all great if not mandatory options.
I would also include a heater if you are looking to extend your season. I wish they still offered a hot water shower!


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[F725]

I've had all those option on all 4 Nautiques I've owned. I have not used the maintainer. I really like the oversized mirror. I would love to use the underwater lights for night surfing but now that I've been busted by the sheriff that's no longer an option. We are on a smaller lake and we are the only wakeboat on the lake so if we are out at night, one of the grumpy neighbors will call us in... now the sheriff has my cell. So, lights are cool and help with resale but I cannot enjoy them unless we just use them for night swimming.

[DocPhil]

All of them except underwater lights. Those rarely get used in my experience. If you do a lot of night cruising, they can be cool but the factory lights suck anyways. I would skip them and install your own if you really want them.

[Bevostein]

I agree 100% with the good doc. Aftermarket on lights. All the other stuff is worth getting OEM


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[charlesml3]

1st boat purchase (GS20 or 210) and trying to finalize boat specs and wondering if I really need some of these things...

- Dual Battery

This really is more like MANDATORY than it is an option. My dealer orders all of their showroom boats with it.

Other options you should seriously consider:

- Ballast-Pro
- GPS Helm Package - Uses GPS for speed control. Otherwise it uses a paddle-wheel.
- Phender Pro - You really can't believe how handy this is.
- Seating - Lean Back Removable (Port)
- Surf Select
- Walk-Thru Air-Dam
- One of the bimini tops. If you surf, definitely get either the Z5 or the one with Surf Pockets.

The various heater options are nice if you really want to be out there early spring/late fall. I just saw you're in New Hampshire. Yea, I'd certainly go with a heater up there.


-Charles

[CMW]

my 2 cents... wouldn't get the underwater lights... when it gets dark... time to take a breather...

plus every time i've tried to surf at night i get busted

[xxrb2010]

Base engine- check

Tow pylon - check

Boots and board - check

Driver - check


you are all set, ready to wakeboard or surf....

Now if you want to do something else, you are free to buy as many option as you want

[Guntersville230]

Not sure where I read this, but I think the awareness camera only works at low speeds (ie picking a rider/surfer up at idle speeds) might wanna ask dealer.

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[JoeA]

What Doc said.

[ironj32]

I'd keep everything but the underwater lights.

[lucky7t]

I second iron32


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[seveet]

In NH, I would add heated seats. The rear visibility on GS 20 was pretty good. I would probably just go with the mirror and for go the camera. I am not sure the surf pockets on the Bimini are worth the extra cost. We rarely have ours open, and I can store at least one board up there. We rarely use the rear facing seat back on the port side. Kids seem to like the bow filler cushion. My wife likes the the walk through filler cushion to complete the sun deck.